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Residents, advocates urge Green River to accept historic ranch cabins for preservation
Summary
Members of the Happy Canyon Research and Field Foundation asked the Green River City Council to grant a small parcel and easement so the group can relocate, restore and display early-20th-century ranch buildings; multiple speakers — including former rangers and local residents — urged swift action while preserving the city's legal protections.
Gay Marie Ecker, speaking for the Happy Canyon Research and Field Foundation, asked the Green River City Council on Nov. 12 to grant a right-of-way and a small parcel to allow her group to move and restore several deteriorating ranch buildings so they can be preserved and used as educational exhibits. “These old buildings were built by my grandfather … they’re not going to last another five years where they are,” Ecker said during public comment.
Multiple residents and former land managers told the council that moving the cabins to Green River would make them accessible to the public, strengthen local heritage tourism and support school programming. William Leggett, identified as the Maze District ranger for Canyonlands, said the structures form “an incredible connection to the origin of that ranching operation” and that the current locations are difficult for the public to visit. “I would love to see those buildings up here,” Leggett said.
Supporters emphasized they would raise funds and write grants to cover restoration and maintenance. Ken May, who said he has helped investigate possible locations with city staff, told the council the foundation sought only permission to use a small parcel behind the museum and that “no money, no responsibility, or the city would be required voluntarily for moving the buildings.” Several others offered to help with tours, fundraising and archival work.
Council members expressed support but said they needed legal agreements clarifying easement language, the scope of city responsibility, and assurances the city would not assume long-term maintenance costs. One council member urged city staff and the city attorney to draft an agreement, including an access easement, and to return with paperwork next month so the council can consider formal acceptance.
The council did not take a final vote on accepting the buildings at the Nov. 12 meeting; members directed staff to draft the necessary legal documents and to work with the foundation on logistics and grant planning. The foundation and residents said they are prepared to begin grant applications and physical planning once an agreement is in place.
